Andre Drummond delivers a historic performance in his first start of the season

Everybody forgot about 'Dre.

© David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Pushed into a reserve role the past few seasons, Andre Drummond showed on Tuesday he is still capable of putting up big numbers when given ample minutes. With Nikola Vucevic sidelined due to a groin injury, the Bulls tapped Drummond to play the starter role, and the veteran delivered, registering 24 points, 25 rebounds, three steals, and two block shots to help Chicago come away with a 118-113 win over the Atlanta Hawks.

History made

Drummond’s stat line and efficiency was historic, as he became the first player to tally those numbers since Charles Barkley back in 1986. It was also Drummond’s first 20-20 game since January 31, 2021, when he was still playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. And finally, the 20-20 game was Drummond’s 45th in his long career, tying him with Bob Lanier for 15th-most in league history.

Andre Drummond first start of the season:

24 PTS
25 REB (!!)
3 STL
2 BLK
11-13 FG

The first player to reach those numbers on 80+ FG% since Charles Barkley in 1986. https://t.co/iWCd0C2tlS

— StatMuse (@statmuse) December 27, 2023

Grateful for the opportunity

After eight seasons with the Detroit Pistons, where he was an All-Star twice, Drummond has bounced around the league, playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Brooklyn Nets, and the Philadelphia 76ers before signing with the Bulls. Despite his robust numbers, Drummond has embraced being a backup center and tries to maximize whatever minutes he’s handed.

In his first season in Chicago, Drummond played only 12.7 minutes a game. This season, he’s averaging 13.5 minutes per night.

But for Drummond, it’s not about playing time but helping the Bulls get wins.

“The position I’m in now, I take it and play to the best of my ability,” Drummond said.

After the game, the big man also shared an emotional moment with his mother, who he credits with helping him stay positive despite the limited role and minutes.

“She’s been my biggest supporter,” Drummond said.

“She’s always telling me [that] whenever my number is called to be ready.”

This @AndreDrummond stat line!!!

24 PTS | 25 REB | 2 BLK | 3 STL | 11-13 FG pic.twitter.com/Jyw76xab3l

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 27, 2023

Chicago Bulls bounces back with a 118-113 win over the Atlanta Hawks